AB1596-HPR COINCIDENCE AND FORTUNE IN axSpA - A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON PATIENT JOURNEYS IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS CARE (2024)

Abstract

Background: Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a common chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton, and potentially other joints and organs [1]. Considerable time still elapses between the onset of initial symptoms of axSpA and the final diagnosis [2]. The journey to diagnosis and accurate management of axSpA is often complex and multifaceted [3], affecting not only the patients but also their relatives.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the patient journey in axSpA, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by both patients and their relatives. It seeks to identify areas where the healthcare systems can improve in providing support and care.

Methods: This study includes semi-structured telephone interviews with axSpA patients and relatives. The participants were contacted with an advert in the magazine of German Association for Morbus Bechterew (DVMB). Interview data was analyzed using structured qualitative content analysis.

Conclusion: The study emphasises that the journey for axSpA patients and their families is complex, stressful and often dependent on fortunate circ*mstances. There is an urgent need for a structured approach to identify and treat people with axSpA as quickly as possible. Beyond medical care, there is a need for analogue and digital psychological support services to improve care and quality of life for both axSpA patients and their families on the patient journey.

Acknowledgements: We declare our gratitude to our interview partners and the Deutsche Vereinigung Morbus Bechterew (DVMB) for their support of the study. This study is partially supported by Novartis Pharma GmbH.

Disclosure of Interests: Felix Muehlensiepen Novartis, Novartis, Novartis, Abbvie, Susann May: None declared, Franziska Gabb: None declared, Katharina Boy: None declared, Hannah Labinsky Pfizer, Janssen, Johannes Knitza Abbvie, Novartis, Medac, Sanofi, Amgen, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Novartis, Lilly, Medac, BMS, Sanofi, Amgen, Gilead, UCB, ABATON, GSK, Werfen, Vila Health, Böhringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Galapagos, Chugai, Abbvie, Novartis, Thermo Fisher, UCB, ABATON, Sanofi, DFG, EIT Health, Martin Welcker Abbvie, Actelion, Amgen, Biogen,BMS, Berlin Chemie, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Hexal, Janssen, Medac, MSD, Mundipharma, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, SOBI, UCB, Abbvie, Actelion, Aescu, Amgen, Cel- gene, Hexal, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB, Novartis, Abbvie.